This short but strenuous hike leads to a stunning and surprisingly intimate cliff dwelling. Unusual aspects of this site include an original kiva roof and the Crow's Nest, both features that cannot be seen from the viewpoint on the canyon rim.

This strenuous 2-hour, 1-mile (2.6km) round-trip hike is along an unpaved, uneven trail that descends 100 feet (30 m), and includes steep drop-offs, switchbacks, climbing three ladders (the longest is 20 feet [6.1m]), and scrambling up and down boulders. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bring at least 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person, and sun protection. This hike may not be appropriate for young children. Each hiker must be able to scramble over boulders and navigate steep gravel trails unassisted. Please do not bring any type of snack or food or sugary drinks. Archeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to crumbs and dropped snacks. Square Tower House hike is available May 3 to May 24, 2015 on Sundays and Saturdays, and from September 10 to October 18, 2015 on Thursdays and Sundays.

This 60-room site built on two ledges is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park. Oak Tree House is a well preserved but fragile site that features plastered walls and varied architectural styles.

This 2-hour, 1-mile (1.6km) round-trip hike is moderately strenuous. Expect a narrow, unpaved, uneven trail, with steps carved into the sandstone, steep drop-offs, and two ladders (4-foot and 15-foot) (1.2m to 4.6m). Total elevation change is 200 feet (61m). In addition to up close views of this extremely fragile site, you will have stunning views of Cliff Canyon, Cliff Palace, and Sun Temple. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a minimum of 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water per person. Please do not bring any type of snack or food or sugary drinks. Archeological sites are vulnerable to damage caused by rodents attracted to crumbs and dropped snacks. Shade is very limited, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Consider bringing binoculars and bird books, as well. This hike is appropriate for well-prepared hikers. Children must be able to walk the extent of the trail on their own without difficulty. Oak Tree House hike is available from May 26, 2015 to September 5, 2015 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Meet the ranger for your hike no later then 7:45 am at Sun Temple on the Mesa Top Loop. Hikers depart for Oak Tree House promptly at 8:00 am.

Meet a character from Mesa Verde's past! Join a knowledgeable ranger, in costume and portraying a notable figure from Mesa Verde's past, who will guide you through Cliff Palace as the sun begins to set below the mesa top. This is a unique opportunity to learn about North America's largest cliff dwelling through the eyes of the people who found, stabilized, and preserved it in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

This moderate 90-minute tour has an elevation change of 100 feet (30m) descending uneven stone steps and climbing four, 8- to 10-foot (2.4m to 3m) ladders. Participants will be provided an intimate, leisurely encounter with Mesa Verde's largest cliff dwelling.

The tour is available from May 24, 2015 to September 6, 2015 on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Meet the ranger on the overlook above the site at least 15 minutes in advance.

Photographers, take this opportunity to spend 90 minutes in Cliff Palace with a park ranger in a small group setting. Dramatic sunset lighting will appeal to the both amateur and professional photographers as well as those seeking a deeper connection with this extraordinary archeological treasure. Tripods and all kinds of cameras are welcome, BUT YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY ALL OF YOUR GEAR WHILE KEEPING YOUR HANDS FREE TO CLIMB THE LADDERS.

This moderate 90-minute tour has an elevation change of 100 feet (30m) descending uneven stone steps and climbing four, 8- to 10-foot (2.4m to 3m) ladders. Participants will be provided an intimate, leisurely encounter with Mesa Verde's largest cliff dwelling.

The tour is available from May 22, 2015 to September 5, 2015 on Fridays and Saturdays. Meet the ranger on the overlook above the site at least 15 in advance.

If you like both hiking and biking this is the trip for you. This ranger-guided, 4.5 hour trek on the quieter side of Mesa Verde includes about 5 miles (8.1 km) of biking and 4 miles (6.4 km) of hiking. Expansive canyon views, spectacular overlooks of remote cliff dwellings, and a tour of magnificent Long House are all part of this adventure. This tour is available from May 27, 2015 to September 6, 2015 on Wednesdays and Sundays.

This 4.5 hour, 9-mile (14.5 km) adventure is for those seeking an in-depth Mesa Verde experience with a ranger. A bicycle is required for this tour. Bring your own bike or you may be able to rent one upon arrival at the Wetherill Mesa parking lot. Call (970) 529-4465 to verify this before booking your ticket. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and a minimum of 1/2 gallon (1.8 liters) of water per person. Shade is very limited, so bring a hat and sunscreen. With a ranger you'll bike to several mesa top archeological sites, walk to others, and hike 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip through the pinyon-juniper woodlands for cliff edge views of two intriguing cliff dwellings, Nordenskold #12 and Double House. Bring binoculars to look for rock art! The group will then bike to the Long House trailhead and take a .75 mile (1.2 km) round-trip tour of this Wetherill Mesa gem. The tour concludes at this point and you are free to continue exploring on your own or bike back to the parking lot with the ranger for a well-deserved rest! Wetherill Mesa Bike and Hike Adventure is available May 27, 2015 to September 6, 2015 on Wednesdays and Sundays.